(Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
Article Written By: Adam Wible
In a battle for Los Angeles, that’s exactly what last nights game was.
The game took all 65 alloted minutes, and put on a goaltending showcase during the shootout. 8 rounds of misses and saves until journeyman, Dwight King gave his Kings the victory. Dwight put his shot past Johnas Hiller, who made 49 saves during the contest. Hiller was bested by rookie goalkeeper Martin Jones, who just so happened to be making his NHL debut this game.
Finding out the night before he was starting, Jones said on his sleep status, “A little bit of lost sleep last night and a little bit of pregame”. He was a bit more excited and relaxed with reporters after picking up his first NHL victory, via a lengthy shootout. “It was a great experience and something I’ve dreamt about for a long time, to play an NHL game and to get the win,” Jones chuckled “It was everything it was cracked up to be.”
In other action around the league.
The NHL best Chicago Blackhawks out shot the Dallas Stars 50-18, but managed to lose a close one 4-3 at home. No 11 round shootout was necessary this time around both clubs.
Pittsburgh held onto its Metropolitan Division lead, by besting the New York Islanders on the road 3-2 in overtime. As usual the leagues best player, Sydney Crosby, took over. Tying the game half way through the 3rd period, then the game winner, with a little over a minute to go in the overtime period.
Over the border, no luck for Canada.
Phoenix flew up to Edmonton, and prevented the Oilers from getting to double digits in the win column. (stuck at 9) Behind Mike Smith’s stellar performance, the Coyotes had no problem holding onto a 6-2 win north of the border.
Things went the same way at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto. San Jose Sharks goalie Antti Niemi looked like his usual self, saving 28 of 30 shots faced. It was enough for the high powered Sharks to best the Maple Leafs, and keep their NHL best 6 game winning streak intact.
My picks:
Montreal 3-1, Detroit 3-2, Calgary 2-1